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Deer Hunting and Fellowship
Rev. Dwayne Lueck
In November the church celebrates All Saints' Day and remembers those saints who have died. Our country observes Thanksgiving Day in worship, as well as family and friends gathering around the dinner table. The state of Wisconsin celebrates nine days of deer hunting (rifle) and the UP has two weeks of deer hunting. It is a big deal in our culture; people take off from work. I have a nephew who takes vacation time and drives home from Missouri to hunt. I don't hunt, but I am told that deer season is not just about hunting; it is about the time together with family, friends, and the camaraderie.
There are a lot of people getting together in November whether it is in worship, in the home or at the hunting shack/camp. Hanging out together with friends is important. Even the Apostle Paul talked about this in Galatians 2:9: "When James and Cephas and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given to me, they gave the right hand of fellowship to Barnabas and me." Paul and Barnabas felt welcomed. Having friends and having a good time together is priceless, and making people feel welcome is always good.
There is another friend we have that is priceless as well. "What a friend we have in Jesus," is what we sing. The Apostle John talked about this relationship "if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin" (I Jn 1:7). That fellowship with our Lord keeps us going knowing we have a Lord who cares for us, and it allows us to enjoy the fellowship we have with others. Enjoy November with your family and friends and the Lord.
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2013 Lutherans for Life National ConferenceThe 2013 Lutherans for Life National Conference is scheduled for November 8-9 at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Urbandale (Des Moines), Iowa. The theme is L.I.F.E. ( Living In Faith Everyday). There will be great speakers including Rev. Matt Harrison, Rev. Dr. James I. Lamb, Linda Bartlett, and Steve Deace, along with wonderful workshops and life-affirming fellowship! Click here
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Leadership Meetings Planned
The District Office staff will be presenting at a number of regional meetings in January. Important topics for leaders will be presented. Watch for locations and topics next month.
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National School Conference
Over 3000 Attend
The Lutheran Education Association held its triennial conference in Milwaukee. Over 3,000 participants attended to network, grow professionally, and be encouraged in corporate worship. Dr. Tim Elmore shared the keynote, addressing the role of teachers/pastors/parents in empowering students to lead our country and our church. Pray that our education leaders will return home energized and professionally refreshed from keynotes, reunions with old friends, and relevant professional development.
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Mission U
Sharing the Gospel in a Digital Age
(Mission U - MU203)
Faith Lutheran Church-Celebration Ministry Center
(3100 E. Evergreen Drive, Appleton)
Saturday, November 16th, 9:00am-2:00pm (with a FREE lunch)
The workshop is completely FREE!
Register here: http://www.faithfoxvalley.org/content.cfm?id=363
The speaker, Steve Kipp, is coming from Colorado to spend the weekend with us. He will talk briefly about technology's role in spreading the Gospel through the history of the church, and then will focus on using social media today in serving the Gospel. Here is some biographical information on Steve that you may find interesting:
'Baby boomer' Steve is a husband of over 25 years to a 'Generation Xer' wife; he's also a father -- and "student" -- of eight teens and young-adult millennials.Steve formally addressed Corporate America diversity training issues and other multi-cultural movements for Focus on the Family's Public Policy division, being published in Focus on the Family Citizen magazine and Focus online venues regarding these cultural shifts. Overall, he accrued 20-plus years as a Focus on the Family employee. His formal LCMS colloquy certification was in a Director of Evangelism specialization from Christ College Irvine (now Concordia Irvine), ensued by serving a Southern California LCMS congregation and community in a "DE" commissioned capacity for two years.
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Annual Thanksgiving Dinner
Peace Campus Center invites you to their Annual Thanksgiving Dinner on Sunday, November 17th from 4-7PM at Peace Campus Center.
Come and bring a friend and enjoy a traditional Thanksgiving meal- turkey, potatoes, salads, and pumpkin pie. For more information contact Andy Weden at aweden@uwsp.edu or 715-345-6510.
Sponsored by: Lutheran Student Fellowship
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The Lutheran Fathers Conference
Tuesday Nov. 19
The Lutheran Fathers Conference is meeting on Tuesday, November 19, 9:30AM to about 3PM, at Zion Lutheran Church in Chippewa Falls. We are studying Martin Luther's The Bondage of the Will as translated by J.I. Packer & O.R. Johnston. In August we covered through the top of page 86, so please prepare pages 86 through 151 of chapters II and III of The Bondage of the Will. There is no cost and prior attendance is not required. These meetings are open to all pastors, laymen, and laywomen. If you have questions or need directions, please contact the church office at 715-723-6380 or zionlutherancf@charterinternet.com. Please come and join us! |
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Annual Christmas Party
Saturday, Dec. 7
Please join Peace Lutheran Campus Center for their Annual Christmas Party at 1517 Maria Drive, Stevens Point!
Reception 3:45PM
Dinner 4:30PM
Worship 6:00PM
On the hour Christmas caroling. Special Music By: Rev. John Eyer
Kindly RSVP by Nov. 30th to 715-345-6510 or peacelutherancampuscenter@gmail.com
Please bring a plate of your favorite Christmas cookies to share.
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Heart for Jesus
Owen's Mission
Your church and school should have received an email from the District Office with information and publicity for Hearts for Jesus. We are pleased to join together with the South Wisconsin District to help schools share the message of the value of life. Use this opportunity to share the same values with your students and parents in your church. Contact us with any questions. |
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Servant Recognized
Congratulations to Vi Golz who was recently recognized by the Green Bay Packers, receiving the Community Quarterback Award for her years of tireless volunteering and community involvement. The award is very competitive, and is awarded annually to only ten individuals in the state. Vi has served as the store manager for the LCFS Thrift Store for over 20 years, and is also involved in the Orphan Grain Train, Ladies Aid, LWML, her church choir, and many other groups within the district.
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2014 Men's Retreat
The 14th annual Men's Retreat will be held at the Holiday Inn in Manitowoc on the weekend of February 29-March 2, 2014. The theme for the retreat is "gods at war". We will be looking at how to defeat the idols that are battling for our hearts. Click here
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Welcome Stacy Landwehr
Stacy is a new addition to the staff at the District Office. Her role is to support Lori Kavajecz and the senior staff in the day-to-day work of the office. Stacy is a member at Mt. Olive in Weston, is married, and has three young children. Welcome her to the District Office the next time you call. She can be reached at stacy@nwdlcms.org.
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National Lutheran Schools Week
Save the date: January 26-February 1, 2014
Theme: Witness Always
"For there are three that testify: the Spirit and the water and the blood; and these three agree." 1 John 5:7-8 (ESV)
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CONCORDIA PLANS CORNER
CPS Named Healthiest Employer
Concordia Plan Services has been recognized as the 2013 Healthiest Employer in its respective size category by the St. Louis Business Journal! The Healthiest Employer Awards recognize companies and nonprofit entities that commit to making wellness a priority and proactively shape the health of their employees. Concordia Plan Services continues to encourage health and wellness among all Concordia Health Plan members through the Be Well ... Serve Well health and wellness initiative and corresponding Be Well Rewards incentive program. They are designed to help members establish and maintain healthy habits. We are happy to report that 87% of our staff is participating in the Be Well Rewards program this year, and year-to-date, our 123 employees have earned $37,650 in Be Well Rewards. An all-staff survey revealed that as a result of our health and wellness programs, over 90% of our staff feel happier, 86% report that they are more productive at work, and 93% said they are in better overall health.
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Online Care
Online Care Anywhere® is a convenient, confidential, online health care service brought to you by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota, administrator of the PPO managed care program for Concordia Health Plan members. With Online Care Anywhere, you get access to U.S. board-certified doctors who are licensed to practice in states where Online Care Anywhere is available. To find out where Online Care Anywhere is available, visit www.onlinecareanywheremn.com. The cost is $45 per visit, and no appointment is needed! Doctors are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week (including holidays) to diagnose and treat:
* Acne
* Allergies
* Bladder infections
* Colds
* Depression or anxiety
* Ear infections
* Eye infections
* Flu
* Sinus infections
* Skin conditions
* Stomach ache
* Urinary tract infections
You will have a live conversation with a doctor using video or secure text chat. Doctors can answer your questions, diagnose your condition, prescribe medications*, and provide follow-up care.
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NWD Financial Box Score
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October offering
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$ 211,746.89
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October budget
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$ 176,085.00
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Year-to-date total offerings
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$1,539,895.99
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Year-to-date budget
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$1,504,140.00
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COUNSELING CONNECTION
Essential Balance...
"Your tires are out of balance."
These words from a trusted mechanic call for action. There is risk involved when tires are left out of balance. What about a marriage relationship? Here "balance" is essential as well. The focus in this article is on another form of "balance" when it comes to parish ministry- the essential "balance" between the ministry and the marriage. The demands of parish ministry are real! These very real demands that can also place a burden on a pastor's marriage. In varying forms, a common complaint of clergy wives is: "My husband is "married" to the church." Here we have a marriage that is out of balance...and, in an even greater way than tires, puts both the marriage and ministry at risk.
The apostle Paul addresses this in his first letter to his young protégé, Timothy. Here Paul is addressing the role of "overseers" which includes pastors, as they are to also be models for other church leaders -"He must manage his own household well...for if someone does not know how to manage his household, how will he care for God's church?" (3:4a & 5)
Paul is sensitive to the competing demands of the two spheres of a pastor's life. In another letter he recognized singleness as preferable (1 Corinthians 7:8). However, he is also quick to point out the risks of this position when it comes to the passions of the flesh (vs.9).
The reality is that the majority of Lutheran pastors are married, and have stable marriages. Yet, a key for that stability is that the "balance" be a priority by the pastor-husband on a daily basis. God gives us "two pieces of glass"-a "mirror" and a "window." In regard to our theme, it is vital that a pastor "reflects" regularly on the "balance" between his marriage and ministry. This "mirror" work is his responsibility.
The "window" offers two views, beginning with a view of the reality of what is taking place in both spheres of a pastor's life. There is also feedback coming at him that he needs to take to the "mirror," and respond toward "balance."
In all of this, God is to be honored. His Spirit works to make both marriage and ministry blessed spheres in a pastor's life. Yes, God delights in the success of both the ministry and the marriage!
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The District office strives to keep you informed and provide easy access to information for your congregation, school, or for you personally. If there is something we can do to improve this publication, please feel free to drop us a note or give us a call and let us know. Thank you!
Sincerely,
Dwayne Lueck, President
LCMS North Wisconsin District
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